Point taken Bruce.
I suppose i should have put a disclaimer in there somewhere.
$40 vs $180
I did take care not to put too much heat into them. No blue bits.
They are vastly stronger than the modified to 4 point Tiawneese socket i started with. It did 5 engines then i had to re do it, then it did 2 more until i came across a pin that would not come out.
Broke the socket again, nothing left to make points out of while still having the square drive hole, so i broke the rod, got the crank out and threw it in the bin.
Hence the advice to put a bolt head in the socket with a centered hole drilled in it. Help avoid failure due to lateral instability IE: keeping the socket square to the 'face' of the bolt.
I did cut a bit deep on the 21mm socket there in one spot. Spreading was a consideration as that is what happend to the 13/16 tiwanese socket i started with first up. Didnt even undo one pin with it.
See how that socket last.
If i have a failure i will be sure and post it up. I would use these sockets more than most who would be looking for the same solution.
At the end of the day, the time and effort is worth nothing. At $20ea for a donor socket i can chew through 4 home made ones before i have spent the $90 they want for the real deal.
Vastly better idea than screwdriver and hammer.
Anything shy of a single hex on single hex i would not use an impact gun on anyway.
I went 3/8 as i only have a 3/8 torqe wrench, and i usually use 3/8 stuff.
Most pins are way less than 55nm to undo. Some are way way tighter.
Thats it DeeJay59,
Grumpy means deforming the 3/8 drive square. Drive force is transfered to the leading points of the square.
In all my years ive destroyed something 3/8 once. Twisted then end of an extension using it in a drain bung, it tore it through the hole with the ball and detent spring. If i remember right a bit of pipe was involved and it was a cheap brand extension.
Well im not counting the 1/2 out to 1/4WW deep reach socket ive got that i use on my 3/8 rattle gun. Thats one abused socket. I look at it as, they couldnt sell me a 1/4WW single hex socket so i made my own.
My 3/8 ratchet is made in Japan, brand unknown, wobble head and about 10" long with a knurled handle, so it does have a fair bit of leverage. Has had a bit of pipe put over the handle on more than a few occasions.
Id say brand name 3/8 would be easily safe to 55 lb ft about 80 lb ft would be the limit.
I know quite a few trade mechanics both car and truck that use 3/8 stuff for day to day jobs.
For bikes (and mowers) i use the 1/4" stuff a lot too.
